Archbishop of Dublin Dr Diarmuid Martin has said he is confident the Irish embassy to the Vatican will reopen "in some other way"’.
Dr Martin said it would be a “leaner embassy’’, adding that one had to look at the cost involved.
“I keep stressing that the Vatican is very important in today’s world,’’ he added.
He was speaking to journalists at the Pro Cathedral in Dublin today, before a liturgical reception for the new papal nuncio, Archbishop Charles J Brown.
Dr Martin said the Irish people had a great affection for the Holy See. “I do not think it will be long before other arrangements are found…maybe not immediately, ‘’ he added.
He said the relationship between Ireland and the Vatican would continue to deepen.
The Department of Foreign Affairs, however, has said the decision to close the embassy to the Holy See will not be revisited.
Pope Benedict XVI was scandalised and dismayed by the abuse perpetrated by some members of the clergy and of religious congregations, his new envoy told massgoers.
Archbishop Brown said the Pope knows the recent years have been difficult for Catholic believers in Ireland.
The new papal nuncio said the pope had been relentless in trying to make changes within the Church and help those abused by clerics.
“Again I speak from my own experience when I tell you that Pope Benedict was scandalised and dismayed as he learned about the tragedy of abuse perpetrated by some members of the clergy and of religious congregations,” said Archbishop Brown, in his homily at the Pro Cathedral of Dublin.
“He felt deeply the wounds of those who had been harmed and who so often had not been listened to. From the beginning, Pope Benedict was resolute and determined to put into place changes which would give the Church the ability to deal more effectively with those who abuse trust, as well as to provide the necessary assistance to those who had been victimised.
“Pope Benedict has been relentless and consistent on this front, and I assure you that he will continue to be.”
Abuse reports published in recent years include those of the Ryan and Murphy inquiries, which revealed paedophile priests were moved from parish to parish and protected from the law.
Today's Mass was the first celebrated by the US-born Archbishop since he presented his credentials to President Michael D Higgins earlier this week.
Representatives from Dublin parishes, church organisations and the diplomatic corps attended the service.
Additional reporting: PA
